It’s an interesting day and age to be raising children. Unlike previous generations, kids today face constant stimulation from digital devices such as tablets, video games, and mobile phones.
As parents, it’s important to provide enjoyable and wholesome experiences for your children that don’t involve screen time. Participating in nature-based activities – like growing a garden – is a fun way to make memories together that you’ll cherish forever.
Here are four reasons why your kids should start getting their hands dirty gardening.
It’s a healthy bonding activity
We live in a fast-paced world, and we can get quickly distracted by all of our never-ending commitments. Between work, school, and social activities, we often don’t get to spend enough quality time with our kids.
Make a memory that everyone will remember by growing your own garden together. Dedicate a special area of your home or yard to be your own little nursery, and take time to plant the flowers or herbs as a family. It’s a feel-good activity that will bring you together.
Kids learn to care for something
As kids grow up, it’s important that they learn how to handle responsibility. Creating a small garden is a great way to get them started learning these valuable lessons that they’ll need for the rest of their lives.
If your kids are pushing you to get a pet (like a goldfish or a puppy), tell them that they can start off with a garden to learn how to take care of a living object. Each child can be in charge of his or her own individual plant, making sure it gets enough water and sunlight to grow.
You’ll teach your children how to appreciate nature
Especially for those of us who live in urban or suburban areas, we don’t always get enough opportunities to get out and enjoy the beauty of the natural world around us. Indoor gardening is a wonderful way to teach your kids how to respect living things.
By nurturing their own indoor garden, children will cultivate a love for nature and an appreciation for living plants and creatures. Encourage this passion within them, and they could end up becoming lifelong green thumbs.
To get them started gardening indoors, our recommendation is the eco-friendly Green Toys Indoor Gardening Kit. This kids garden kit includes a planter tray, planting pots, a trowel, organic seeds and compacted soil dishes.
Gardening produces a useful commodity
In addition to all of the memories and life lessons, let’s not forget that gardening also produces delightful results! No matter what you’re growing, you can share the fruits of your labor with family and friends (while showing off your top-notch horticultural skills).
Gardening could even save you money on grocery bills. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits can be used in home-cooked meals, and flowers can be used to brighten up the interior or exterior of your home.
Gardens are truly sustainable gifts that keep on giving to you and your kids.
